Buying guide for best double strollers
Taking your children out for a walk usually requires a safe, high-quality stroller that’s comfortable for them to ride in and easy for you to maneuver. If you have two babies who are close in age, you’ll likely want a double stroller so you can easily push both kids around at once.
A double stroller can make your life much easier – you can put both kids in one stroller and get out the door more quickly to run errands or for a trip to the park. Best of all, it means you’ll have less baby gear cluttering up your home.
In some ways, shopping for a double stroller is more difficult than choosing a traditional stroller. You have to decide what style best suits your needs, what type of wheels you prefer, and whether you want space for an older child to stand, as well as any traditional stroller features that will make you and your children most comfortable. It’s definitely a lot to figure out.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, our handy shopping guide has all the tips you need to find the ideal double stroller. We’ve even included our top double stroller picks in the matrix above if you prefer to take all the guesswork out of the shopping process.
Key considerations
Side-by-side vs. tandem
Double strollers are available in two main types: side-by-side and tandem.
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Side-by-side stroller: This is the most common type, with the two seats positioned next to one another. The seats are usually equal in size and have all the same features, so both children have the same riding experience. A side-by-side model is generally easier to maneuver around corners and tuck away in the trunk of your car, but it’s wide, so it can sometimes be difficult to get through doors or other narrow spaces.
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Tandem stroller: Also known as an inline stroller, a tandem positions one seat in front of the other. The issue that many parents have with a tandem model is that it doesn’t offer the same riding experience for both children. The seats often don’t have the same features, and older children may not like sitting in the back where they can’t see as well. A tandem stroller can also be difficult to push and turn around corners, though it can fit more easily through doorways and narrow aisles.
Sit-and-stand
If there is a bigger age gap between your children, a sit-and-stand double stroller may be the best option. This type of stroller allows one child to ride in a seat, while a preschool age child stands on a board at the back holding a handle.
A sit-and-stand stroller can save you time when you’re in a hurry because you don’t have to buckle in two children, and your older child can easily hop on and off as necessary. It’s often just as easy to push as a traditional stroller, too.
However, a sit-and-stand stroller is only appropriate if you have one child who’s old enough to stand. Some models convert from a tandem double stroller to a sit-and-stand configuration, so you’ll be able to get more use out of the stroller as your children grow.
Wheels
When you’re shopping for a double stroller, it’s important to consider the number of wheels. Some models have four wheels in the front (two on each side) and just one wheel on each side in the back. Other double strollers feature four wheels, with one wheel on each side in the front and back. There are even some double strollers with three wheels – a single wheel in the front and a wheel on each side in the back.
Double strollers with four wheels in the front tend to be the most difficult to push. If one of the dual front wheels gets snagged, it can throw the entire stroller off course. Models with four wheels (total) or three wheels are usually much easier to maneuver, and three-wheeled designs are best for jogging with your kids.
Consider the wheel material, too. Rubber wheels are more durable and offer a smoother ride and better maneuverability than plastic wheels. Opt for wheels that are marketed as “all-terrain,” so you know that they’ll be able to glide smoothly over any surface.
Double stroller features
Harness
With any stroller, it’s important to choose a model with a secure harness to keep your child safely in place. When you’re shopping for a double stroller, you have to be sure that both children have safe, secure harnesses.
The safest type of stroller restraint is a five-point harness, which has a strap around the waist, a strap between the legs, and straps that come down over the shoulders. Choose a model that offers a five-point harness for both seats and a buckle that’s easy to lock but sturdy enough to prevent your children from undoing it.
Safety
In addition to the restraints, pay careful attention to the other safety features on a double stroller. The stroller should have a lock to secure it in place, so you don’t have to worry about it collapsing with your children inside. And the frame shouldn’t have sharp edges or uncovered springs that might be dangerous for little fingers.
For your most peace of mind, opt for a double stroller certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) so you can be sure that it meets the most up-to-date safety standards.
Brakes
Effective brakes are another safety must-have for any stroller. The majority of strollers have foot-activated brakes – some are engaged by stepping on a bar at the back of the frame. Other strollers have a pedal at each rear wheel, which can be slightly more difficult to operate.
If you wear flip-flops or open-toed shoes regularly, one-touch brakes are a better option for your double stroller. Some jogging-style double strollers also have hand-activated brakes that are easier to engage when you’re running or moving quickly.
Adjustable seats
If you have a newborns, you need stroller seats that can recline nearly all the way back until the children are old enough to sit up, usually around six months old. Reclining seats work well for older children, too, because they’re able to nap in the stroller.
If you opt for a side-by-side double stroller, choose a model with separate controls for each seat so both children don’t have to be in the same position all the time. Ideally, the seat adjustment controls should be easy enough to use that you can do it with one hand.
Stadium seating
One of the issues with tandem double strollers is that the child in the back may not be able to see as well as the child sitting in front. This can be particularly frustrating for toddlers, so if you opt for a tandem model, consider a stroller with stadium seating, which elevates the back seat slightly above the front.
Handlebar
For the most comfort when pushing a stroller, the handlebar should be cushioned or padded and hit at your waist or a little bit below. To make your double stroller easy to use for anyone who might be pushing your children around, opt for a model with an adjustable handlebar so you can raise or lower the handle as needed.
Canopy
Most strollers have a canopy or shade that shields your children from the sun, rain, or wind. A double stroller should have an adjustable canopy for each seat, so you can control how covered up your children are depending on the weather. It’s also a good idea to look for a model with canopy fabric that has UV protection to keep your children safe in the sun.
Storage space
Going out with kids usually means bringing along quite of bit of gear. Choose a double stroller with an under-seat basket that’s accessible even when the seats are in the reclined position. Some double strollers also have pockets at the back where you can stash items that you need especially easy access to, such as a baby bottle or your phone.
Fabric cover
With children, spills and messes are inevitable. Opt for a double stroller with a washable fabric cover so you can easily clean up any messes that occur.
Double stroller prices
Double strollers vary in price based on the type, wheel design, and features. You can typically expect to pay between $45 and $750.
A side-by-side umbrella double stroller for children over the age of one without any canopy and only waist restraints is usually the least expensive option, ranging from $45 to $100. Tandem double strollers with a seat in the front and a board for older children to stand on in the back are also fairly affordable, usually costing between $99 and $175.
Tandem double strollers with a seat in the front and a seat in the back, five-point harnesses, canopies, and four front wheels usually range from $100 to $225. Tandem models with canopies and two wheels in the front usually cost between $225 and $630.
Side-by-side double strollers with five-point harnesses, canopies, and two front wheels typically cost between $150 and $300. Models with a single, rugged front wheel generally cost from $300 to $750.
Tips
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While a double stroller can fold up like a traditional single stroller, you’ll save more space in your trunk or the back of your car if you use a bungee cord to hold the stroller upright.
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Don’t leave your stroller in the sun for prolonged periods. Metal and plastic pieces on the frame can become hot enough to burn.
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If you want to take your kids on a run with a double stroller, it’s best to start with a shorter route. The added weight of your children and the stroller can make your run much more challenging, so it’s best to ease into the new routine.
- Avoid hanging a bag from the handlebar of a double stroller. Weight distribution is extremely important when you’re carrying two children, and the bag may cause the stroller to tip over.
FAQ
Q. What should I look for in a double stroller for twins?
A. Some double strollers can’t accommodate two infant car seats, so they won’t work for newborns who are the same age. If you’re shopping for a stroller for twins, check that the model can fit two car seats if you plan to use it with infants.
Q. What’s the best type of double stroller for travel?
A. An umbrella double stroller is an ideal option when you’re taking trips with the family. That’s because it offers a lightweight design that folds up easily for quick packing. It doesn’t work as well as a main stroller, so consider it a supplemental option.
Q. Can I take a double stroller through airport security?
A. You may be able to take your double stroller through airport security, but the process can be tricky. It’s a good idea to ask the airline beforehand. If the stroller is allowed, you’ll have to take your kids and belongings out of it and place it on the conveyor belt to be screened. Some strollers may not fit, so TSA agents might have to screen it manually. Some airlines allow you to check your double stroller at the gate, so you don’t have to worry about fitting it on the plane. Just make sure that it’s labeled with your name and contact information.
